New vigor for annual progressive event

Fighting Bob Fest has been going every year since 2002 but as organizer Ed Garvey says this year is different. “This will be the first time we’ve had a Fighting Bob Fest after having an explosion of interest in what the governor and legislature were doing.”

Governor Walker and the Republican majority made numerous changes including scaling back labor rights for public workers which prompted massive protests last spring. As to whether this renewed political interest will boost attendance, Garvey is hoping for a full house but is unsure. A factor may be what other activities are also going on that weekend.

Speakers include Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, former House member Dave Obey, Princeton Professor Cornell West and author Jim Hightower.

The Bob Fest had been held in Baraboo but is taking place this year in Madison. The event kicks off tonight at the Barrymore Theatre followed by Saturday’s gathering at Alliant Energy Center Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum.